COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY 16 DECEMBER 2010
ROOM 29, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mr Simon Hamilton MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Sydney Anderson MLA
Mrs Mary Bradley MLA
Mr Mickey Brady MLA
Mr Alex Easton MLA
Mr John McCallister MLA
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Peter McCallion (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Trevor Allen (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Stewart Kennedy (Clerical Supervisor)
Ms Allison Ferguson (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
Mr Tommy Gallagher MLA
Ms Anna Lo MLA
Mr Fra McCann MLA
The meeting began at 9.40am in closed session.
1. Apologies
Apologies are detailed above.
Mr Anderson joined the meeting at 9.41am.
2. Chairperson’s Business
The Chairperson informed Members that he intended to have an introductory meeting with the new Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency during the week commencing 20 December 2010.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2010
Agreed: The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 9 th December 2010 were agreed.
4. Matters arising
4.1 Gambling Prevalence Survey
Members noteda copy of the findings of the first Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey which was published by the Department for Social Development’s Analytical Services Unit.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to consider gambling reform issues when the anticipated consultation paper is launched.
4.2 Reform of Disability Living Allowance – DWP consultation
Members noted a copy of the DWP consultation paper on the reform of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Members also noted correspondence from the Public Accounts Committee advising of the publication of its report on the management of the DLA Reconsideration and Appeals Process, together with the recommendations of the report.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department seeking information on the reform of DLA, specifically: the projected additional costs associated with appeals; the staffing levels in the Social Security Agency which will be required to administer the Personal Independence Payment and the status of independent health professionals who will assess applications.
Agreed: The Committee also agreed to consider a Departmental briefing on the reform of DLA and to respond to the DWP consultation before 14 February 2011.
4.3 IFS Report: The Impact of Tax and Benefit Reforms to be introduced between 2010-11 and 2014-15 in Northern Ireland
Members noted a copy of the Institute for Fiscal Studies report on the impact of tax and benefit reforms in Northern Ireland pending a briefing from the Law Centre and the author of the report in January 2011.
5. NIHE Governance Audit / Other Investigations underway at the Department – Departmental briefing
The following Departmental official joined the meeting at 9.52am:
Barney McGahan, Deputy Secretary, Resources, Housing & Social Security Group, DSD.
Mr McGahan briefed the Committee, in closed session, on the NIHE Governance Audit and other investigations underway at the Department . This was followed by a question and answer session.
The Committee also questioned the official on the Department’s resource and capital priorities for the Budget 2011-15 period.
The Chairperson thanked Mr McGahan for his briefing.
The official left the meeting at 10.16am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to request a further Departmental update on: the NIHE Governance Audit; the Gateway Review on the operation of NIHE Egan contracts and other internal and external investigations underway within the Department.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Finance and Personnel Committee on the Executive’s draft Budget 2011-15.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek a Departmental briefing at the earliest opportunity on the Department’s resource and capital priorities and its Savings Delivery Plans for 2011-15.
The meeting resumed in open session at 10.18am.
6. Housing (Amendment) (No.2) Bill – Clause by clause scrutiny
The following Departmental officials joined the meeting at 10.19am to brief the Committee on recent Departmental responses and the clauses and proposed amendments to the Housing (Amendment) (No.2) Bill:
- Alastair Campbell, Housing Division, DSD;
- Stephen Baird, Housing Division, DSD; and
- Angela Clarke, Housing Division, DSD.
The Committee noted the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules on the subordinate legislation associated with the Housing (Amendment) (No.2) Bill.
Ms Ní Chuilín left the meeting at 10.20am.
The Committee also noted correspondence from the Department for Social Development in response to issues raised in Committee during the informal consideration of the clauses of the Bill.
The Committee formally scrutinised, clause-by-clause, the Housing (Amendment) (No.2) Bill and agreed the following:
Clause 1 – Abolition of statement of tenancy terms
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not in support of a proposal to amend this clause of the Bill to provide that regulations relating to the provision of rent books be subject to draft affirmative resolution.
“Question: That the Committee for Social Development is content with clause 1 as drafted, put and agreed to.”
Clause 2 – Tenancy Deposit Schemes
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of a proposed amendment, pending receipt of the text of the amendment from the Department, that would:
- Replace the word “may” at 5A(1) with “shall” in order to make the provision a duty rather than a power; and
- Include a timeframe within the legislation to which the making of regulations on a deposit scheme must be taken forward.
Agreed: To avoid inconsistency with other tenancy legislation, the Committee agreed that it would not support a proposed amendment which would require the provision of information to tenants in respect of a Tenancy Deposit Scheme to be made within 14 days.
The Committee noted Departmental assurances that the clause as drafted would require deposits to be held in secure accounts and would also require landlords and tenants to make use of a dispute resolution mechanism.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed that it would not support a proposed amendment that landlords be required to hold tenant deposits in secure accounts.
Agreed: The Committee therefore also agreed not to support proposed amendments to add a mechanism for the resolution of disputes and to introduce an arbitration scheme for disputes.
The Committee noted Departmental assurances that it is to monitor the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and that district councils are to enforce the scheme and that this would be set out clearly in regulations.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed not to support proposed amendments which would set out which authority is to regulate the scheme.
Agreed: The Committee indicated its support for the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and agreed to accept that regulations would ensure that costs associated with a custodial scheme were minimal and those associated with an insurance scheme were limited. The Committee therefore agreed to reject amendments which would either limit the fees associated with the tenancy deposit scheme or which would lead to the tenancy deposit scheme being abandoned.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in relation to the development of deposit bonds for vulnerable tenants.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed that it would not support a proposed amendment to require the scheme administrator to develop a deposit bond system.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of a proposed amendment, pending receipt of the text of the amendment from the Department, that would allow tenants to recoup their deposit where a landlord breaches tenancy legislation.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of the clause, pending receipt of the text of amendments from the Department, as detailed above.
Clause 3 – Power of entry to inspect dwelling-house
The Committee noted Departmental assurances that the Bill extends the powers of entry to include Part 4 of the Private Tenancies Order.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed not to support a proposed amendment to extend powers of entry to Part 4 of the Private Tenancies Order.
The Committee also noted that the Department is consulting on a revised fitness standard for private housing and expects to bring forward related legislation in the next mandate.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed not to support proposed amendments that would change or give legal force to certain housing fitness standards.
The Committee further noted Departmental assurances that it is consulting with district councils in respect of the costs of specialist reports on health and safety issues in private tenancies.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed not to support a proposed amendment that would allow district councils to require a specialist report to be commissioned by a landlord in cases where the Environmental Health Officer has reason to believe that there is a hazard.
“Question: That the Committee for Social Development is content with clause 3 as drafted, put and agreed to.”
Clause 4 – Power to modify Article 42 to 45
Mr McCallister joined the meeting at 10.28am.
The Committee noted Departmental correspondence identifying the number of private tenancies subject to rent controls.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment that would remove all rent controls from the private rented sector including those tenancies which are deemed to be unfit.
“Question: That the Committee for Social Development is content with clause 4 as drafted, put and agreed to.”
Clause 5 – Registration of landlords
The Committee noted a technical Departmental amendment which ensures that landlord registration will be compulsory.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that clause 5 be amended as follows:
Clause 5 , Page 4, leave out lines 18 and 19 and insert ‘the information to be provided for the purposes of registration.’
Clause 5 , Page 4, Line 31 leave out ‘in connection with an application for’ and insert ‘for the purposes of’.”
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of proposed amendments, pending receipt of the text of the amendment from the Department, that would make the establishment of a landlord registration scheme a duty and not just a power, and which would set out a related timeframe.
Committee noted that the Department is in discussion with the Department of Justice in relation to an alternative fines structure and a possible mechanism whereby district councils can recover court costs associated with tenancy prosecutions.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed to defer formal consideration of the proposed amendments, pending the outcome of these discussions.
The Committee noted Departmental assurances that the form of the landlord register and its management would be set out in regulations.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed that it was not in support of a number of proposed amendments that would have stipulated the information to be recorded in the register; the degree to which the register would be in the public domain; and which would also set out which authority would manage the register.
As above, the Committee noted that the Bill puts in place a dispute resolution mechanism associated with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment which would link the register to a dispute resolution mechanism.
As above, the Committee noted that the Department is consulting on a revised fitness standard for private housing and expects to bring forward related legislation in the next mandate.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment to link the register to a housing fitness standard.
The Committee noted Departmental assurances that district councils currently provide advice and training for private landlords.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment to require councils to provide training and advice for landlords.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment relating to the sharing of tenancy information as this is the subject of a separate Departmental amendment.
Agreed: The Committee expressed its support for the development of a register for private landlords and therefore agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment which would lead to the removal of the landlord register or the elimination of registration costs for landlords.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of the clause, pending receipt of the text of amendments and clarification on certain issues, as detailed above.
Clause 6 – Fixed penalty for certain offences
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer consideration of changes to the level of fixed penalties associated with tenancy offences pending a detailed response from the Department on this issue.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment to introduce Rent Penalty Notices as this was the subject of consultation by the Departmental with stakeholders.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment to introduce a statutory review of fixed penalties, as it accepted the Department’s assurances that penalties would be the subject of ongoing review.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of the clause, pending receipt of clarification, as detailed above.
Clause 7 – Regulations
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of the clause, pending receipt of the text of consequential amendments from the Department.
Clause 8 – Houses in multiple occupation: evidence of family relationship
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment to require houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) to conform with fitness and other standards as, pending a revision to the private housing fitness standard, the Committee felt that the current HMO standard was sufficient.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment in respect of the type of evidence that can be accepted to establish family relationships, as the Department had provided assurances that guidance would be provided in respect of this matter.
“Question: That the Committee for Social Development is content with clause 8 as drafted, put and agreed to.”
Clause 9 – Withholding of consent to mutual exchange of secure tenancies
Members noted the Department’s response to the Committee’s suggestion indicating that the Bill is to be amended to allow convictions for offences relating to the use of a home for immoral or illegal purposes to be considered in the evaluation of requests for the mutual exchange of social secure tenancies.
Ms Ní Chuilín returned to the meeting at 10.36am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of the clause, pending receipt of the text of the Department’s amendment in respect of the withholding of consent to exchange tenancies on the basis of information pertaining to indictable offences but not directly related to ant-social behaviour.
Clause 10 – Disclosure of information as to orders, etc. in respect of anti-social behaviour
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of this clause and other amendments, pending receipt of the text of the Department’s amendment to clause 9.
Clause 11 – Duty to persons found to be homeless
The Committee noted Departmental assurances in respect of referral procedures for homeless people with mental health issues.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed that it would not support an amendment to the Housing Executive’s statutory duty to provide homelessness support to people with fluctuating mental illness.
“Question: That the Committee for Social Development is content with clause 11 as drafted, put and agreed to.”
Clause 12 – Functions of Executive in relation to energy brokering
Agreed: The Committee agreed that pending the development of an energy brokering scheme by NIHE, it was not in support of proposed amendments which would extend energy brokering arrangements beyond social tenures or which would introduce a national home heating oil saving stamp scheme.
The Committee noted a technical Departmental amendment which would set out that energy brokering arrangements could apply to all forms of energy.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that clause 12 be amended as follows:
Clause 12 , Page 9, line 19, leave out ‘or oil’ and insert ‘, oil or other means of producing energy’.
Clause 12 , Page 9, Line 32, at end insert-
‘(d) a supplier of any other means of producing energy.’”
“Question: That the Committee for Social Development is content with clause 12 as amended, put and agreed to.”
Clause 13 – Functions of District Councils in relation to energy efficiency
The Committee noted that the Department is consulting with district councils in respect of the best way of promoting energy efficiency.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed that it was not in support of proposed amendments to alter councils’ vires in regard to promoting energy efficiency measures.
As above, the Committee noted that the Department is consulting on a revised fitness standard for private housing and expects to bring forward related legislation in the next mandate.
Agreed: The Committee therefore agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment to revise the fitness standard to incorporate energy efficiency measures.
“Question: That the Committee for Social Development is content with clause 13 as drafted, put and agreed to.”
Clauses 14 to 17
“Question: That the Committee for Social Development is content with clauses 14 to 17 as drafted, put and agreed to.”
Schedule
The Committee noted support from the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations for a Departmental amendment which would repeal the Rent Surplus Fund.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the schedule to the Bill be amended as follows:
Schedule , Page 11, line 3, at end insert-
‘The Housing In Article 20(2), sub-paragraph (c) and (Northern Ireland) Order the word “or” immediately before it.’ 1992 (NI 15) Article 37.”
Other Amendments
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment which would introduce a redress / ombudsman scheme for private tenancies as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme is to include a dispute resolution mechanism.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not in support of a proposed amendment which would ensure that all vulnerable 16 and 17 years olds have access to homelessness support as the Department has drafted a statutory rule relating to this matter.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of proposed amendments which would alter the resources available to District Councils to enforce tenancy legislation pending a Departmental response to related queries on fines etc.
The Committee noted a Departmental amendment which would permit NIHE to serve tenancy documentation by ordinary post.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the following clause be added:
After Clause 11 insert-
‘Service of documents .-(1) Article 104 of the Housing ( Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (NI 15) (service of certain documents) is amended as follows.
(2) For paragraph (1) substitute-
(1) Any document required or authorised by a statutory provision to be given to or served on any person by the Executive or a registered housing association may be given to or served on that person by being sent by ordinary post.’.”
The Committee noted a Departmental amendment which would allow the Housing Executive to indemnify its staff who involved in the governance of other bodies.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the following clause be added:
After Clause 12 insert-
‘Indemnification of members and officers of Executive [j4a]
-(1) The Department may by order make provision for or in connection with conferring power on the Executive to provide indemnities to some or all of its members and officers.
(2) Before making any order under this section, the Department must consult-
(a) the Executive, and
(b) such representatives of officers of the Executive, and
(c) such other persons, as the Department considers appropriate.
(3) An order under this section-
(a) is subject to negative resolution;
(b) may contain such incidental, supplementary, transitional and saving provisions as appear to the Department to be necessary and expedient.’”
The Committee noted a Departmental amendment which would remove the requirement for NIHE to gain entry to an abandoned tenancy house before repossessing it.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the following clause be added:
After Clause 10 insert-
‘Miscellaneous amendments to the Housing Order
Abandoned tenancies [j7a] . –(1) In Article 41 of the Housing ( Northern Ireland) Order 1983 (NI 15) (rights of landlords where secure tenancy abandoned) in paragraph (3) for sub-paragraph (a) substitute-
“(a) has responsible grounds for believing the matters mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b); and”.
(2) In Article 19A of the Housing ( Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (NI 2) (rights of landlord where introductory tenancy abandoned) in paragraph (3) for sub-paragraph (a) substitute-
“(a) has reasonable grounds for believing the matters mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b); and”.’”
The Committee noted further amendments associated with the repeal of the Rent Surplus Fund.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the following clause be added:
After Clause 11 insert-
‘Abolition of rent surplus fund
. –(1) In Article 37 of the Housing ( Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (NI 15) (surplus rental income of housing association) is repealed.
(2) In Article 20(2) of that Order (offences relating to accounts of housing associations)-
(a) at the end of sub-paragraph (a) insert “or”;
(b) omit sub-paragraph (c) and the word “or” immediately before it.’”
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer formal consideration of a proposed amendment which would allow NIHE to work in legal partnership with other organisations, pending receipt of the text of the amendment from the Department.
The Committee noted a Departmental amendment which would allow NIHE to promote community safety.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the following clause be added:
After Clause 12 insert-
‘Functions of Executive in relation to community safety [j2a]
. –(1) The Executive may take such action as it considers necessary or appropriate for enhancing community safety in any area.
(2) Reference in this section to enhancing community safety in any area is to making the area one in which it is, and is perceived to be, safer to live and work, in particular by the reduction of actual and perceived levels of crime and other anti-social behaviour.’”
The Committee noted a Departmental amendment to allow for the development of anti-social behaviour guidance for the courts.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the following clause be added:
After Clause 10 insert-
‘Possession orders: conduct causing nuisance or annoyance [j8a]
. In Article 29 of the Housing ( Northern Ireland) Order 1983 after paragraph (3) insert-
“(3ZA) The matters to be taken into account by the court in determining whether it is reasonable to make an order on ground 2(a) shall include-
(a) the effect that the nuisance or annoyance has had on persons other than the person against whom the order is sought;
(b) any continuing effect the nuisance or annoyance would be likely to have on such persons;
(c) the effect that the nuisance or annoyance would be likely to have on such persons if the conduct is repeated;
(d) the circumstances of the tenant and the likely effect of a possession order on the tenant and any person residing with the tenant”.’”
The Committee noted a Departmental amendment relating to the extension of the notice to quit for certain private tenancies.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the following clause be added:
After Clause 2 insert-
‘Length of notice to quit [j1a]
. –(1) Article 14 of the Private Tenancies Order (length of notice to quit) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1) for “4 weeks” substitute “the relevant period”.
(3) After that paragraph insert-
“(1A) For the purposes of paragraph (1) the relevant period is-
- 4 weeks, if the tenancy has not been in existence for more than 5 years;
- 8 weeks, if the tenancy has been in existence for more than 5 years but not for more than 10 years;
- 12 weeks, if the tenancy has not been in existence for more than 10 years”,
(4) This section-
(a) applies whether the private tenancy was granted before or after the date on which this section comes into operation;
but
(b) does not apply in relation to a notice to quit given before that date.’”
The Committee noted a Departmental amendment which would increase the fines associated with failure to register a HMO to £20k per property.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the following clause be added:
After Clause 8 insert-
‘Houses in multiple occupation: increase in fine for failure to register [j9a]
*. –(1) In Article 75L of the Housing ( Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (offences in connection with registration scheme for houses in multiple occupation) after paragraph (1) insert-
“(1A) a person who commits an offence under this Article consisting of a contravention of a provision included in a registration scheme by virtue of Article 75C(1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £20,000.”.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to an offence committed before the date on which this section comes into operation.’”
The Committee noted an amendment which would require the Housing Executive and Land and Property Services to share housing benefit and domestic rates information with district councils so as to facilitate the enforcement of tenancy legislation.
“Agreed: That the Committee for Social Development recommends to the Assembly that the following clause be added:
After Clause 4 insert-
‘Disclosure of information [j10a]
*. After Article 64 of the Private Tenancies Order insert-
“Disclosure of information for purposes of Parts 2 to 4
64A. –(1) This Article applies to any relevant information which is held-
- by the Department of Finance and Personnel for the purposes of-
- its functions under the Rates ( Northern Ireland) Order 1977 or the Rates (Capital Values, etc.)( Northern Ireland) Order 2006; or
(ii) the administration of housing benefit; or
- by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for the purposes of the administration of housing benefit.
(2) Relevant information to which this Article applies must, if an authorised officer of the appropriate council so requires, be supplied to that council for the purpose of enabling or assisting that council to exercise its functions under any provision of Part 2, 3 or 4.
(3) Any requirement under paragraph (2) must specify-
(a) the description of relevant information which is to be supplied;
(b) the form in which the information is to be supplied;
(c) the date by which that information is to be supplied.
(4) This Article-
(a) does not limit the circumstances in which information may be supplied apart from this Article; but
(b) has effect despite any restriction on the purposes for which relevant information may be disclosed or used.
(5) In this Article-
“authorised officer”, in relation to a council, means an officer of the council authorised for the purposes of this Article by the council;
“housing benefit” means the housing benefit provided by virtue of a scheme under section 122 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits ( Northern Ireland) Act 1992.
“relevant information” means information as to-
- the location, age, size or description of a dwelling-house let under a private tenancy;
- the name and address of the landlord or tenant of such a dwelling-house or of any person acting as an agent of the landlord.
Unauthorised disclosure of information
64B. –(1) An employee of a council commits an offence if he discloses without lawful authority any information-
- which he acquired in the course of his employment;
- which is, or is derived from, information supplied to the council under Article 64A; and
- which relates to a particular dwelling-house or person.
(2) It is not an offence under this Article to disclose information which has previously been disclosed to the public with lawful authority.
(3) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this Article to show that at the time of the alleged offence-
(a) he believed that he was making the disclosure in question with lawful authority and had no reasonable cause to believe otherwise;
(b) he believed that the information in question had previously been disclosed to the public with lawful authority and had no reasonable cause to believe otherwise.
(4) A person who is guilty of an offence under this Article shall be liable-
(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.
(5) For the purposes of this Article a disclosure of information is to be regarded as made with lawful authority if, and only if, it is made-
(a) in accordance with his official duty by an employee of the council;
(b) in accordance with any statutory provision or order of a court;
(c) for the purposes of any criminal proceedings; or
(d) with the consent of the person to whom the information relates.”.’”
Agreed: The Committee agreed to continue formal clause-by-clause scrutiny of the Bill at the meeting of 11 January 2011.
The Chairperson thanked the officials.
Officials left the meeting at 10.56am.
Mr Easton left the meeting at 10.56am.
7. Subordinate Legislation
7.1 SR 2010 No. 413 The Occupational Pensions (Revaluation) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2010.
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2010 No. 413 the Occupational Pensions (Revaluation) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2010 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
7.2 SR 2010 No. 407 The Rate of Bereavement Benefit Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2010 .
Mr Easton returned to the meeting at 10.59am.
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2010 No. 407 t he Rate of Bereavement Benefit Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2010 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
7.3 SR 2010 No. 405 The Homelessness (Review) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2010.
Question put and agreed:
“The Committee for Social Development has considered Statutory Rule: SR 2010 No. 405 t he Homelessness (Review) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2010 and, subject to the Examiner’s report, has no objection to the Rule.”
7.4 Charities Bill Commencement Order and Transitional Provisions Order
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the proposed Transitional Provisions Order to be made.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content to note the Commencement Order.
8. Correspondence
8.1 The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister to the Speaker advising of a Ministerial Statement on Wednesday 15 December 2010. The Committee also noted tabled correspondence withdrawing the statement.
8.2 The Committee noted the Department’s December Monitoring Round submission.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to the Department seeking information on: the proposed transfer of funds to Urban Regeneration projects (and whether these include Neighbourhood Renewal); the status of the Jobs and Benefits Office programme given previous capital reallocations from this to the Housing budget and progress in respect of the Social Housing Development Programme given proposed reallocations from the Housing budget in the December Monitoring Round.
8.3 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in response to the Committee’s letter of 23 November 2010 regarding the Mid-term Review Report of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.
8.4 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in response to the Committee’s letter of 1 December 2010 providing clarification as to how homelessness advice will be provided to applicants suffering from mental illness, how applicants are to be tracked by the Housing Executive and how they will be sign-posted to benefits and support.
8.5 The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister in response to the Chairperson’s letter of 23 November 2010 regarding welfare fraud.
8.6 The Committee noted correspondence from the Department in response to the Committee’s letter of 16 November 2010 regarding the Empty Homes Strategy Final Report 2010 providing further information on the geographical location and clustering of empty homes; the Housing Executive’s plans for empty homes used for decants and the level of vacant Housing Association properties.
8.7 The Committee noted correspondence from the Belfast and Greater Shankill Health Employment Partnership seeking an opportunity to make a formal presentation jointly to the Social Development, Employment and Learning and Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committees on the evaluation of the Health Employment Partnership.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that owing to the legislative programme, it must decline the offer of a briefing.
8.8 The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment commenting on the Energy Brokering Feasibility Study commissioned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
8.9 The Committee noted a copy of Advice NI’s press release entitled ‘Unemployed Homeowners face further Mortgage Repayment Crisis’.
8.10 The Committee noted correspondence from NIPSA expressing its concerns about the proposals to transfer 55 properties in Rinmore, Creggan from the NIHE to APEX Housing Association.
8.11 The Committee noted the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland: Investing Activity Departmental Report for November 2010 from the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
8.12 The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety seeking the Social Development Committee’s views on the Autism Bill and also requesting that the Committee forward a letter regarding the Bill to the Minister.
Agreed:The Committee agreed to forward the correspondence to the Minister for comment.
8.13 The Committee noted an invitation to the Chairperson from the Chartered Institute of Housing to attend the rescheduled symposium ‘Planning for the Future’. The event will take place in London on Tuesday 1 February and Wednesday 2 February 2011.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content for the Chairperson to attend this event on behalf of the Committee.
8.14 The Committee noted that Capita Conferences is holding its National Sheltered Housing Conference in Central London on Friday 18 February 2011.
8.15 The Committee noted correspondence from Down and Dromore Youth Council requesting that the Department undertakes a study on the impact of faith based organisations.
Agreed:The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the Department for response.
8.16 The Committee noted a research journal entitled Shared Space which deals with peace, conflict and community relations in Northern Ireland, from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council in association with the School of Sociology, Queens University Belfast.
9. Forward Work Programme
Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the Forward Work Programme.
10. Any Other Business
The Chairperson expressed his best wishes to Members and Committee staff for the Christmas break.
11. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 11 January 2011 in Room 29, Parliament Buildings at 10.00am.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 11.14am.
Mr Simon Hamilton MLA
Chairperson, Committee for Social Development.
11 January 2011
09 December 10 / Menu
